I know it’s a little odd, but I love February.  Up here, it’s the perfect month for some of my favorite things – cross-country skiing, showshoeing…and sitting by the fire with a hot toddy (my beverage of choice is hot chocolate spiked with Southern Comfort–yum!).  It’s also my birthday month, something I share with a few other Blaze Babes (Tawny Weber and Sam Hunter, I’m looking at you… )   And it’s the month of one of Harlequin’s biggest celebrations – Valentine’s Day!

One of the ways we mark this special holiday is by using it as a theme in several of our books.  So check out what the Blaze authors have in store for you this month…

Our Valentine anthology this year is a special one.  Not only does it celebrate all things romantic, but it also launches another set of Blazing Bedtime Stories.  ONCE UPON A VALENTINE by Stephanie Bond, Leslie Kelly and Michelle Rowen is sure to keep you snuggling by the fire with your sweetie long after you should be in bed…

Next up is THE KEEPER, another book in Rhonda Nelson’s Men out of Uniform miniseries.  Rhonda’s hero, Jackson ‘Oak’ Martin can handle anything…except a sexy pastry chef and a ‘butter bandit’.  This is another ‘keeper’ filled with Rhonda’s whimsical charm.

CHOOSE ME by Jo Leigh is the first book in a new miniseries we’re launching this month, It’s Trading Men.  Now, as kids we all collected hockey cards, baseball cards, etc.  I haven’t a clue what happened to them.  But if I’d had a card with a hot guy like Charlie Winslow on it, I know I would have kept it close.  Of course, Charlie’s heroine, Bree, doesn’t need the card as a memento – she’s got the real thing.

Next up is the final book in Tawny Weber’s Undercover Operatives miniseries – SEX, LIES AND VALENTINES.  Gabriel Black might be a con artist–but he doesn’t stand a chance when undercover FBI agent Danita Cruz gets a hold of him…  A fantastic conclusion to a wonderful holiday series!

Kira Sinclair launches her first miniseries this month–Island Nights–with BRING IT ON.  This book has it all - a runaway bride, a best man who really IS the best man, and hot tropical nights that set the mood for romance.  And that’s only Book 1!

And finally, Cathy Yardley returns with the second book in her Players Club miniseries, THE PLAYERS’ CLUB: LINCOLN.  Linc Stone is a master at keeping secrets.  Too bad Juliana Mayfield is just as adept at getting him to bare it all…

And that’s the month – just enough to keep you busy on the last of those cold, wintry nights…

Now, on to the Blaze authors Pet Project.  We have three rescue animals showing up in our February books.  Tawny Weber’s SEX, LIES AND VALENTINES showcases a special calico girl named Pippi, from the Furry Friends Shelter in Ontario.  Since Pippi’s already found a forever home (Yay, Pippi!), we’re sending her new owners an autographed copy of her book, so they know their new pet is famous.

I also have to admit I made a mistake last month…  I got the wrong book for Piedmont and Prize, the two rescue animals available at the Northeast Shelter in Salem.  This loveable cat and dog are characters in Rhonda Nelson’s THE KEEPER, not THE PHOENIX as I said last month.  Sorry about that…

And finally, I’d like to announce that the Blaze authors have a new Pet Project – The Cat Shack in Trexlertown, PA.

The Cat Shack, Inc. is a no-kill, non-profit cat rescue organization that attempts to find permanent homes for stray and unwanted cats and kittens.

The Cat Shack serves to place three CATegories of needy cats:

* Friendly strays and kittens looking for safe, permanent homes

* Feral (wild) strays who are not suitable for inside homes and who seek safe, permanent barn homes where they can be employed as mousers.

* In an effort to help people place pets that they can no longer keep, they also post the cats picture/story and the owner’s contact info.

So there you have it – 6 fantastic new books, and another shelter worth checking out.  Anything you can do to help – making a donation, picking up a new family member, or even just passing a recommendation along– is much appreciated.

For a chance to win one of three sets of February books, let us in on your most memorable Valentine’s Day.

Good luck!  And happy February!

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

I must admit, I’m really looking forward to starting over this month.  Last year was a wilder ride than I expected, especially with all the 10^th anniversary celebrations.  Don’t get me wrong – all the attention was absolutely wonderful, incredibly exciting…and ultimately exhausting. J  Maybe it’s just the time of year, but all I’d like to do right now is sit by the fire with a good book.  And if you’re feeling a little mellow too, I’ve got a few irresistible stories to tell you about….

Rhonda Nelson starts off the month with another addition to her Men out of Uniform series, THE PHOENIX.  While all Rhonda’s heroes are great – strong, heroic and honorable—it’s the heroine in this book who steals the show.  Charlie Martin believes in getting the job done, any way she can.  Even if it means a little computer hacking…  Be sure to check this one out – it’s absolutely delightful.

Next up is our Uniformly Hot! title, BORN READY by Lori Wilde.  Semper Paratus (Always Ready) isn’t just the Coast Guard’s motto – it’s Lieutenant Commander Scott Everly’s motto too.  That is until he meets a woman who knocks him off his feet, landing him between her sheets!

And Rhonda’s heroine isn’t the only girl to steal the show this month.  The heroine of Samantha Hunter’s Forbidden Fantasy, STRAIGHT TO THE HEART, is a US Marshall  who always gets her man.  Only in this story, she gets to keep him too!

Tawny Weber continues her Undercover Operative miniseries this month with SEX, LIES AND MIDNIGHT.  This time, prodigal daughter Maya comes back home…with an FBI agent on her arm—and in her bed!  Check out what USA Today had to say about the first book in the miniseries:   Sex, Lies and Mistletoe is sexy, smart, fresh and festive — and a must-read this holiday season.   Way to go, Tawny!

Next up is BORROWING A BACHELOR by Karen Kendall, the first book in Karen’s  All the Groom’s Men miniseries.  These stories focus on the real reason women attend weddings – to check out the hot  groomsmen!   And here’s a little insider information – one of the titles we were considering for this book was The Accidental Stripper.   How can you resist?

Finally, Cathy Yardley finishes up the month with the first book of another new trilogy – The Players’ Club.  The heroes in these books work hard and play even harder.  In the first book, THE PLAYERS CLUB: SCOTT, the hero finds out that while the tests may be arduous… the rewards can be very satisfying, especially when his sexy neighbor decides to join in on the initiation.

So, what do you think?  Can you think of a better way to start off a brand new year?

Although Blaze’s 10^th anniversary is now over, we still have one more anniversary to celebrate.  This month marks the one year anniversary of the Blaze Authors’ Pet Project.   So far, we’ve highlighted three very deserving shelters and I’ll be showcasing another one next month.  As well, we’ve managed to include more than twenty animals in our past and upcoming books and several of them have already found homes!  In fact, two of the books this month feature Pet Project animals.  Dottie, from Tawny Weber’s SEX, LIES AND MIDNIGHT is living happily ever after with her new forever family.  But Piedmont and Prize, from Rhonda Nelson’s THE PHOENIX, are still waiting.  If you’re interested in helping out, check out the Pet Project at BlazeAuthors.com for details.  And look for more furry friends to show up in the pages of Blaze books throughout this year.

So, are we all ready to get on the rollercoaster again?  In order to make the ride a little more enjoyable, I’ll be giving away 3 sets of the January books.  All you need to do is post a comment, letting us know what you intend to do differently this year.  Last year, one of my resolutions was to help out at a local shelter, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

Wishing you all things bright and Blazing in the coming New Year!

Sincerely,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor

Can you believe the holidays are here already?  I have to admit, I’ve had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit lately, and the reason didn’t occur to me until this morning – snow!  We’ve had record breaking temperatures up here, and while I normally love the warmer weather, it doesn’t inspire the usual  Winter Wonderland feelings.  But this morning we woke up to about 5 centimeters (not quite an inch) and what a difference it made.  Now it feels like the holidays.  And you know what else can inspire that Christmasy feeling – Blazing holiday books!

So here’s what you need to put on your list for Santa this month…

First up is MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jennifer LaBrecque and Rhonda Nelson.  This collection is really cool – each author based their story on their popular Blaze miniseries.  So Vicki wrote a novella based on her Sons of Chance miniseries, Jennifer’s is linked to her Alaskan Heat miniseries and Rhonda’s included a tale that’s Uniformly Hot!  Pretty cool, eh?  This anthology will definitely make spirits bright.

Tori Carrington has the Uniformly Hot! book this month with RED-HOT SANTA.   For those of you who loved Tori’s Pleasure Secrets miniseries this summer, you’ll be happy to see that Jason’s little brother Jax is finally getting his holiday happily ever after.  And does he ever look hot in (and out of) a Santa suit….

The latest installment of Kate Hoffmann’s Mighty Quinns trilogy finishes up the month with THE MIGHTY QUINNS: KELLAN.   Santa delivers an early surprise to Kellan Quinn when he finds a beautiful woman washed up on shore.  Is she a mermaid…or his perfect Christmas present?

Leslie Kelly is up next with ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS.  Not only is this a wonderful holiday story about love lost and found…but it’s also our 50th Wrong Bed book!  Can you believe it?  Temptation and Blaze heroines have been falling into the wrong bed since 1994.  And they’re always very glad they did.

Not to be outdone, Cara Summers’ story,  SEXY, SILENT NIGHTS, is part of another very popular miniseries -Forbidden Fantasies.  And it’s sure to inspire a few naughty thoughts…

And finally, Tawny Weber finishes up the month with the first book in her Undercover Operatives miniseries – SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE.  Odd events are happening in the small town of Black Oak, California.  Black sheep, Caleb Black has come home to figure out who’s framing his dad.  And he will…if Pandora Easton ever lets him out of her bed….

So that’s the month.  And what’s really exciting is that two of these books are part of the Blaze Authors’ Pet Project.  Look for Paulie and Bonnie to greet you in Tawny’s SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE.  And watch Flash save the day in Cara’s SEXY SILENT NIGHTS.

It’s been an exciting year for Blaze.  Not only was it our 10th Anniversary, but we also saw the 10th Anniversary of The Mighty Quinns miniseries, and the 50th Wrong Bed book.  And our Pet Project has been going strong for a year now!  We’ve brought attention to three animal charities and we’ll be showcasing another next month.   It’s been really gratifying to see how everyone has rallied behind this project.  And we ARE making a difference.  Creating awareness is the first step in solving any problem.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.  For a chance to win one of three sets of December books, tell us about the kinds of things you do to celebrate this month. 

Wishing you all lots of VERY good nights….

Brenda Chin

Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

Is it just me, or does it seem like the holiday season is starting earlier and earlier these days?  Our stores have been stocked with Christmas paraphernalia for more than a month now!   It’s really hard to get too excited about gory Halloween costumes when Santa’s sitting right behind them, grinning.

But like it or not, the holidays are coming, so we might as well get ready for them.  I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, ‘charity begins at home’.   Well, I believe that should include presents too.  (Especially for those of us whose husbands really don’t have a clue.  You know who you are…. )    So I’ve got a few early surprises you’re not going to want to miss….

Rhonda Nelson gets the month started with THE SURVIVOR, another book in Rhonda’s Men out of Uniform miniseries.  You’ll really enjoy the hero and heroine in this story.  They’ve both lived through life-changing experiences, but discover that nothing is as life-changing as love.  A real treat!

Next up is our Uniformly Hot! book, MODEL MARINE by Candace Havens.  Candace did a great job with this story.  And the cover….  Wow!   Is there anything hotter than a Marine…in his underwear?   Sorry girls, he’s taken.

Kate Hoffmann continues her Mighty Quinns miniseries this month with THE MIGHTY QUINNS: DANNY.  Little brother Danny can’t resist playing with fire.  He’s an artistic blacksmith who’s an expert at stoking the flames to the highest pitch.  Is it any wonder the heroine can’t resist him?

Lori Wilde is up next with INTOXICATING, a story that has all the necessary components – an undercover hero, a heroine in jeopardy…and lots of wine.  You’ll definitely want to have a glass handy when you curl up with this engaging story.

Crystal Green has the Wrong Bed book this month with ROPED IN.  When a good girl decides to fake being  a bad girl for one night,  she can find herself in some interesting places…like tied to her bed!  But since it’s bad boy cowpoke Shane Carter holding the ropes, she’s not complaining.

And finally, Marie Donovan finishes up her A Real Prince miniseries with ROYALLY CLAIMED.   Welcome to Portugal, where sexy Duke Francisco finds his temporarily-ever-after with his old flame.   Too bad nobody ever told them their story’s not supposed to end that way….

But that’s not all!  Harlequin has an early gift for all of you closet writers out there.  During the week of November 7, we’ll be hosting our second on-line conference, So You Think You Can Write.  Check out    the website, www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com, for blogs, chats, contests and webinars from Harlequin editors in all three offices.  Don’t miss it. 

And to all our American readers—and of course, my wonderful Blaze authors– HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  

And for a chance to win one of three sets of this months books… Why don’t you share what it is about Blaze that makes you thankful!

Sincerely,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Blaze

What happened to October? Wow, time flies fast! Too fast for us to keep up sometimes – which means that I’ll have Brenda’s post up a little late today.

As most of you know, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in early October.  It’s the perfect time of year – the harvest is in, the foliage is breathtaking and the weather is probably the best we ever get.   So it’s understandable that someone in our country’s history felt the need to place Thanksgiving in this bountiful month – we’re surrounded by things we can’t help but be grateful for.

The holiday falls on October 10^th this year, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to start early.

First of all, I’d like to offer a heart-felt ‘thank you’ to our loyal Blaze readers.  Without you, none of us would have a job.

I’m tremendously grateful to the wonderful women (and man) I work with, the Blaze authors and editors.   With a team as solid as ours, how can the books be anything less than absolutely, unequivocally stellar?

And finally, I’d like to say how much I appreciate how you all (readers and authors) have embraced the Blaze Author’s Pet Projects.  Helping at pet shelters is a cause that’s very close to my heart.  It gives me a warm feeling inside when I see how many of you care for our furry friends.  After all, everyone deserves a happy ending, right?

Now, before I get maudlin, let me tell you about 6 books you’re definitely going to thank me for telling you about…

Julie Leto starts off this month with TOO WICKED TO KEEP, the last book in her Legendary Lovers miniseries.  And in this case, Julie definitely saved the best for last.  Her hero, Danny, is a liar, a thief…and a man I dare you not to fall in love with.

Next up is the Uniformly Hot! title this month, Karen Foleys’ DEVIL IN DRESS BLUES.  As always, Karen writes a military man who’s a true blue hero, through and through.  And that’s what Karen’s heroine, a journalist, desperately needs when she finds a black book filled with details that could turn deadly…

The Mighty Quinns are back—and they’re having a birthday!  Kate Hoffmann marks the 10^th Anniversary of The Mighty Quinns miniseries by setting three books in the place where it all started – Ireland.  This month, the celebration starts with THE MIGHTY QUINNS: RILEY. 

After you get back from the great party going on in Ireland, grab your boots and head north to Alaska with Jennifer LaBrecque’s latest Alaskan Heat title, NORTHERN FASCINATION.  If you’ve been following the going’s on in Good Riddance, Alaska, you’re not going to want to miss this book.     Beloved character Jenna finally gets her happily ever after…and great sex too, of course!

If a warmer setting is what you’re after, you’ll want to check out Joanne Rock’s RIDING THE STORM, the second of her Wrong Bed duet.   A hot guy, a fast boat…and a bed you can’t help climbing into (even if it is the wrong one!)   What else could a girl ask for?

And finally, Marie Donovan brings the month to a dramatic conclusion with ROYALLY SEDUCED, the second book in her A Real Prince trilogy.  This reverse Roman Holiday story set in the French countryside is a sensual adventure you’re sure to enjoy!

So…are you grateful yet?

Tell me about one Blaze book (or several, if you’re like me and can’t choose) that you’re very glad you picked up this year, and you’ll be entered in a draw to win one of 3 sets of October books.    I’ll start.  Hmmm…  How about all of them?

Happy Fall!

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

September has always been one of my favorite months, followed closely by October.  Up in my neck of the woods, it’s definitely the prettiest time of year.  And after a hectic summer, I can’t think of anything more appealing than settling into a relaxing routine.

And trust me, I can use it!  This last month has been absolutely crazy, but in a good way.  Our Anniversary celebration was one for the history books.  It was phenomenal!   It seemed like there was something going on every day – blogs, contests, radio talk shows (thanks Bruce and Leslie).  I have to say, my Blaze babes really know how to throw a party!

But now it’s time to get back to normal.  If you’re like me, what’s normal this time of year is to settle into a Muskoka chair on the cottage deck with a good book (after kayaking all afternoon, of course ).  And if find you do the same thing, I’ve got some wonderful books to tempt you…

First up this month is Too Wild to Hold, the second book in Julie Leto’s Legendary Lovers miniseries.  As with all the books in this trilogy, Julie’s hero, Michael Murrieta, is a descendant of a famous masked bandit.  And the heroine will definitely attest that he’s a lover of legendary proportions.

Jillian Burns has our Uniformly Hot! title this month with Night Maneuvers.  This  Air Force Captain hero thinks winning a bet—that he will remain celibate for 30 days—will be a breeze.  Of course, he hadn’t counted on a suddenly sexy, very determined ‘friend’ tempting him to change his mind…

Kathleen O’Reilly finishes up her Harts of Texas trilogy this month with Just Give In… And that’s exactly what her heroine, Brooke Hart, does when she finds herself stuck in the small town of Tin Cup, all alone, with an extremely sexy man….

What could be better than one Wrong Bed? Two of them!  This month, Joanne Rock introduces Making a Splash, the first story in a Wrong Bed duet.  Two sleek boats, two sexy as sin brothers…two very surprised heroines.   Does a Blaze book really need anything else?  Don’t miss Riding the Storm next month.

Elle Kennedy returns to the Blaze lineup this month with Witness Seduction.  DEA agent Caleb Ford is used to some hard cases.  But keeping his hands off his suspect, Marley Kincaid, is nearly killing him.  She can’t be as innocent as she seems.  Or can she?

And finally, Marie Donovan introduces Royally Romanced, the first book in her newest miniseries, A Real Prince.  And  yes, you guessed it – it’s all about those sexy royals.  After all, why should Kate and William have all the fun?

So there’s the month.    Feel like pulling up a chair yet?

Before you get too comfortable, I’d also like to take this opportunity to introduce our next Blaze Authors’ Pet Project, brought to you by Lisa Renee Jones.  Please check out :

Safe Place cares for pets when a terminally ill owner no longer can.

Since the organization was founded by a Hospice nurse in 1996, they’ve helped over 500 pets become part of new, loving families – including 69 pets in 2010 – in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado, including Colorado Springs.

As always, please consider this shelter if you’re in the market for a pet, or just want to contribute to a very worthy cause.

We’ve updated our Pet Project page to let you know where the cats and dogs from our last Pet Project, the North East Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts, will show up.  And we’ve got three shelter cats from Furry Friends, our first Pet Project, making an appearance next month – two in Julie Leto’s Too Wicked to Keep and one in Jennifer LaBrecque’s Northern Fascination.  Don’t miss them.  They really add a lot to both stories.

Finally, for a chance to win one of two sets of September Blaze books, let us know if you enjoyed our 10^th Anniversary party.  What events did you show up for?  What did you like best?  What could we do for the 15^th?  (In publishing time, that’s just a few months away.    )

Happy September!

Brenda Chin

Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

It’s here, it’s finally here!  We are now, officially, one whole decade old.  And we’re celebrating all over the place–here on the Blaze Authors blog and on the Harlequin blog at Harlequin.com.  In fact, the Harlequin blog will be discussing Blaze-focused themes all month long (what is your favorite miniseries, what kind of heroes are the best, etc.), so be sure to drop by often.  And later on this month, the Barnes & Noble book blog will be talking about all things Blaze.  As soon as I get the link,  I’ll make sure it’s up here for you all to check out.

And now, what we’ve all been waiting for – the books.  You’ll remember from my last month’s post that for the anniversary, all six Blaze books in August were written by an author who had a book in the first 6 months of Blaze (we call these authors the Original Sexy Six–I think they’re having T-shirts made )  And all six books this month have a bonus read included–a reprint of their very first Blaze.  Pretty cool, eh?

So here’s what you’ll find on the shelves this month….

First up is Kimberly Raye’s THE BRADDOCK BOYS: TRAVIS, a Love at First Bite title.  Reader’s can’t seem to get enough of Kim’s cowboy vampires.   And what’s not to like?  They’re hot, they’re Texan and they do their best work at night.  They’re the perfect Blaze hero.   This book is paired up with Kim’s first Blaze title, THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE.

Next up is our Uniformly Hot! title, Jo Leigh’s HOTSHOT.  This book not only has an Air Force pilot as a hero, but the heroine’s in the Air Force too.   And if that wasn’t awkward enough, they have a past–a really, HOT past.  Can you imagine how good makeup sex could be when the sky’s the limit?  The bonus book included is Jo’s GOING FOR IT, which was published in Month One.

Tori Carrington finishes up their Pleasure Seekers miniseries this month with UNDENIABLE PLEASURES.  This is Jason’s story (the bad boy ‘other man’ from RECKLESS PLEASURES).  But when he meets Jordan, he soon forgets that he was ever involved with anyone else.  This book is kind of special to me.  It features an adorably fluffy black kitten named Cleo, who was based on one of own my precious furbabies.  Thanks for that guys!  The bonus book in this case is this talented duo’s YOU SEXY THING!

Vicki Lewis Thompson also finishes up her latest installment of her Sons of Chance miniseries this month with COWBOYS LIKE US.  The Last Chance Ranch has worked its magic on many would-be cowpokes over the past year or so, but is a former all-star baseball player really cowboy material.  He is once a certain cowgirl gets her hands on him…  This is paired up with another cowboy story by Vicki–and the first book ever–NOTORIOUS!

But not all miniseries are ending.  In fact, Julie Leto is launching her first trilogy this month, Legendary Lovers, with TOO HOT TO TOUCH.  The three men in this trilogy are share a daring heritage–one they can’t escape, no matter how hard they try.  For they are all descendants of a notorious Latin crusader.  And when each man is given their illustrious ancestor’s ring, he finds himself being more of a hero than he ever dreamed.  A wonderful start to a fantastic series.   Ten year ago, Julie started another trilogy– Sexy City Nights–which she shared with Carly Phillips and Janelle Denison.  The bonus book included is that book, EXPOSED.

And finally, Debbi Rawlins rounds out the month with a Blaze Encounters, EXTRA INNINGS, which features 3 incredible short stories about the men who play America’s game – baseball!  (It’s also got a cover worth framing, if you get my drift.   Then again, I’ve always had a thing for a man in pin-stripes… )  This story is followed by Debbi’s first book for Blaze, IN HIS WILDEST DREAMS.

So there you have it – six incredible new stories, six unforgettable first books, all written by  the Original Sexy Six!  Can you think of a better way to celebrate?

For a chance to win one of 3 sets of the August books, tell us what you think about our anniversary celebration.  And if you have any innovative ideas for how we can celebrate 15 years, I’d love to hear them too.

Finally, I’d like to personally thank all the Blaze authors for ten wonderful years, and more than six hundred outstanding books!   You guys are the best!

Sincerely,

Brenda Chin

Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze.

That’s right!  Our 10^th anniversary month is almost upon us!  I still can’t believe it’s been that long.  Especially since I haven’t aged at all…  Funny how that happens, isn’t it?

Next month, there will be all kinds of exciting things going on here at the Blaze authors’ blog and at eHarlequin.com.  Watch for special anniversary wishes from the authors, as well as TV shows and films some of them think ‘Would Have Been Better as a Blaze’.  And of course, watch for our 2-in-1 special anniversary editions of the August books, featuring the first Blaze title–as well as current book– from six authors who helped launch the line.  It’s going to be great!

But of course, we offer great books every month.  And we’ve got some out now that you won’t want to miss.  Check them out…

Lori Wilde, Wendy Etherington and Jillian Burns start off the month with our hot summer read, BY INVITATION ONLY.     Three intrepid heroines decide to crash the wedding of the decade, only to find out that tying the knot isn’t always a prerequisite for a mind-blowing wedding night…

Cara Summers follows with the Uniformly Hot! book this month, TAILSPIN.   This story has it all –  a ‘lovers reunited’  theme, an intriguing mystery and a hot, hot, air force hero.  Who could ask for anything more?

Next up is Tori Carrington’s WICKED PLEASURES, the second book in their Pleasure Seekers miniseries.  According to Romantic Times magazine, ‘the action is hot and so is the chemistry’.  You’ll need to turn up the air conditioning for this one (or at least, I did. :-)  ).

And for those of you craving a cowboy fix, Vicki Lewis Thompson offers COWBOY UP, the second book in her latest Sons of Chance trilogy.  The heroine, Emily Sterling, has vowed never to fall for a cowboy.  But let me tell you, one look at this cover and even the most reluctant woman will be running for a  cigarette.  (FYI – I’ve got a blown-up poster of this cover on my door.  It never fails to inspire me.)

Kathleen O’Reilly is also knee deep in a trilogy.  The second book in her Harts of Texas miniseries, JUST LET GO… is fun from the get-go.  A small town sheriff gets a chance to hook up with her first crush.  What do you bet there are handcuffs involved?

And finally, Heather MacAllister finishes up the month with KEPT IN THE DARK, the final book in our 24 Hours: Blackout miniseries.   A cat burglar finds herself in deep with a sexy security expert—the same guy who sent her to jail six years ago.  This book is proof that paybacks are hell.

And there you have it.  This month’s books are the perfect way to spend those hot summer days…

I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to cut this blog post a little short this time.  Everyone in the office is running around, trying to get things ready for the Romance Writers of America national convention in New York this week, and I’m no exception.   In fact, as you read this, I’ll be in the Big Apple having a great time with my authors.   But I’ll be back on line tomorrow to keep you company.

For a chance to win one of two sets of the July books, drop by and tell me what you think of our Sexy Books of Summer so far.     And be sure to drop by next month for all the festivities—and to check out another Blaze Authors Pet Project, brought to us by author Lisa Renee Jones.

Happy Summer,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

Happy summer, everyone. I don’t know what it’s like in your neck of the woods, but we seem to have jumped from winter right into summer in Ontario. It’s hotter than Hades here today. I can’t think of a better reason to stay inside (or better yet, hightail it to the beach) with a good book. And we’ve got some great ones for you this month…

Rhonda Nelson starts off this hot, hot, HOT month with REAL MEN WEAR PLAID, a Blaze Encounters, featuring 3 stories about ‘verra’ sexy Scotsmen. In her Dear Reader letter, Rhonda credits a trip to Scotland with the inspiration behind these novellas. Let me tell you, after reading this book, I was searching the internet for a good deal on flights…

Leslie Kelly comes next with her Uniformly Hot! title, TERMS OF SURRENDER. What happens an opinionated blogger falls for an undercover flyboy turned teacher? Fireworks–in the classroom and in the bedroom! Prepare to turn the A/C up…

And talking about heat, don’t miss Tori Carrington’s RECKLESS PLEASURES, the first book in their Pleasure Seekers miniseries. What’s a girl to do when her military man goes overseas…and his BFF is so very, very hot? (You’re sensing the theme this month, right?)

Then Vicki Lewis Thompson returns this month with the first of three more Sons of Chance stories. The Chance men might have all found their match last year, but the ranch is still working its magic, turning ordinary guys into extraordinary cowboys. Don’t miss SHOULD’VE BEEN A COWBOY.

Isabel Sharpe finishes up her Checking E-Males series this month with HOT TO THE TOUCH. Isabel’s heroine definitely has the right approach. She isn’t looking for Mr. Right. Or Mr. Right Now. No, this girl wants a Mr. Right-Here-And-Now–and will do anything to get him! A fun conclusion to a sassy, very contemporary trilogy.

And finally, Samantha Hunter brings to the month to a stunning finale with MINE UNTIL MORNING, the second book in the 24 Hours: Blackout miniseries. What’s cool about this book is that the hero is always in the dark (he’s temporarily blinded). But he’s more than an expert at making the most of his other senses…

I hope you all enjoy this great lineup, the perfect way to usher in Hot Summer Read season. And it’s also an exciting month for our Pet Project–the first books featuring our Furry Friends are now on the stands! Look for Brionne in Leslie Kelly’s TERMS OF SURRENDER and Irish in Samantha Hunter’s MINE UNTIL MORNING. And there are more on the way in upcoming months.

And there’s even more exciting news – we’re bringing a new Pet Project on board, thanks to author Karen Foley. The second Blaze Author’s Pet Project is….

The Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachussetts!

The Northeast Animal Shelter, located just a half hour north of Boston in historic Salem, is one of New England’s largest nonprofit shelters that does not destroy any of the pets entrusted to its care. They have placed over 100,000 dogs and cats since they opened their doors.

Two weeks ago, thirty-eight shelter dogs from Georgia were welcomed to New England to make room in southern shelters for other animals displaced by the terrible series of twisters. It was a 19-hour non-stop ride from Georgia in a specially outfitted Puppy Pipeline Rescue van, which has moved more than 4,000 dogs to no-kill shelters since 2007. The van travels at night so that the puppies can sleep much of the way. The recent shipment of puppies is just the first infusion of needy animals, with more to come from all over the hard-hit south.

The shelter has more than a hundred dogs, cats and kittens available for adoption. Maybe one of these animals is perfect for you.

If you live near Salem and are thinking about bringing a pet into your life, be sure to check this place out. Or, if you’d just like to help, you’d be hard pressed to find a more worthy cause. And, as always, watch for pets from the shelter to find their way into upcoming Blaze books. Let’s face it – nobody’s totally complete without a pet – not even a Harlequin hero or heroine.

So that’s it for this month. For a chance to win one of three sets of Blaze book, let us know what you think about this month’s line-up, or our Pet Project.

Happy Summer!

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze